Prosthodontics
Prosthodontics is that branch of dentistry which deals with the restoration
and maintenance of oral function, comfort, appearance, and health of the patient
by the restoration of the missing natural teeth. It also deals with the replacement of missing
teeth and contiguous oral and maxillofacial tissues with artificial substitutes.
This discipline includes Fixed, Removable, Maxillofacial and Implant Prosthodontics
Prosthodontists specialize in this field of
dentistry. Prosthodontist is a dentist who, following four years of dental
school, has successfully completed three additional years of rigorous specialized
training in a recognized post-doctoral program in Prosthodontics.
The area
in which the Prosthodontist specializes are:
Removable Prosthodontics: It is that branch of Prosthodontics concerned
with the replacement of teeth and contiguous structures for patients who have
few or no teeth at all, with the help of artificial substitutes that are removable
from the mouth. Such prostheses include complete and partial removable dentures.
Fixed Prosthodontics: It is that branch of Prosthodontics concerned with
the restoration and/or replacement of teeth by artificial substitutes, which
are not removable from the mouth. Such restorations include crowns,
fixed
partial dentures (bridges), esthetic
veneers, and restoring surgically placed implants.
Implant Prosthodontics: It is that branch that deals with dental implants.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into your jaw to hold
a replacement crown or bridge in place. The treatment can be more conservative
than the traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring
teeth for support
Prosthodontists have the advanced knowledge necessary to help provide treatment
for birth defects such as cleft palate, conditions such as traumatic injury,
and complex restorations for patients who have undergone surgical or radiation
treatment for cancer.
